Chanel was born in May 2011. On February 14, 2012, she received the greatest gift of love and officially became Chanel Minarcine. Bob and Suzanne went to the Monroe County Animal Shelter to adopt a specific cat who wanted nothing to do with them! Chanel knew as soon as they walked in the door that these were her humans, and she was going home with them. Thus began the next eleven years of Chanel’s pampered life of love and luxury.
In February 2016, Chanel was sent to a sabbatical at her veterinarian’s office. On February 24, 2016, she chose to embark on her own rumspringa when the vet tech opened two cages at once, while the backdoor was open. Chanel saw her chance and took off! During this time, Chanel attempted to join a gang of feral cats and got into at least one street fight. After over three long weeks, she decided she was better built for a life of luxury. Chanel did not know that all of Macon was on the lookout or that a large cash reward was being offered, but she walked right up to a stranger’s house, and they brought her home!
During the Covid pandemic, Chanel enjoyed having her 9 living nieces and nephews in the house for virtual learning and quarantine. She learned that while she mildly enjoyed the snuggles, she did not enjoy second grade. Covid did bring quarantine dinner with friends, spread out on the porch and eventually into the house. While the adults ate delicious dinners, Chanel was spoiled with catnip, treats, and toys.
Chanel enjoyed mornings on the porch enjoying the weather and beautiful view of Lake Redwine. Neighborhood cats would come to visit, and she would remind them they were not allowed inside the house.
Chanel brought comfort to her family during their darkest days and deepest sorrows. She often hid from the excitement of joyous celebrations, though she would come through every so often to make sure everyone was still enjoying themselves. Chanel was a great friend who knew how to simply be present when we needed a listening ear or a comforting presence.
In March, Chanel’s loving humans noticed that she was not going out on the porch or eating. On March 30, her breathing became exceptionally labored. A trip to her least favorite place – the vet – discovered fluid in her chest and abdomen. It was difficult to see her heart or lungs because of all the fluid, though a mass was seen. Bob and Suzanne chose to bring Chanel home on palliative care and love her for whatever time she had left on this earth. The next three weeks were filled with love, snuggles, a few arguments with her over taking her medication, and video chats with her favorite people.
On April 24, 2023, Chanel Minarcine savored one more video chat and the comfort of her humans’ cozy bed.
Dr. Suzanne Minarcine 